This is the ultimate Watermelon Cucumber Salad! Sweet watermelon is combined with crisp cucumbers, fresh mint and basil, and salty feta cheese. Top it all with a honey lime dressing that adds fresh flavor to this simple salad!
As a dietitian, one of my favorite ways to satisfy my sweet tooth on hot summer days is with some juicy watermelon! And to me, this watermelon cucumber salad recipe is the perfect summer salad. It takes minimal prep time, uses fresh ingredients, has the right balance of sweet and salty, and is made with hydrating watermelon and cucumber.
Enjoy it on a hot day in the summer by the water, as a side dish with your favorite main course, or as a refreshing addition for your next summer cookout!
If you like this recipe, you may also enjoy my Cucumber Sweet Pepper Salad with Ginger Dressing or my Black Bean, Corn & Feta Salad.
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Key Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
This Watermelon Feta Salad with Cucumber is made with simple ingredients. Below are some notes and substitution ideas. Be sure to check the recipe card for ingredient measurements!
- Watermelon - juicy watermelon is the base of this recipe so be sure you choose a ripe one. I typically use a mini watermelon or small watermelon and prefer a seedless watermelon. If you use a regular sized one, you'll have extra watermelon so feel free to double or triple the recipe! You can use pre-cut watermelon cubes if you want to save time.
- Cucumbers - refreshing cucumbers add vitamin C and vitamin K. When it comes to what type of cucumber, I use an English Cucumber. You could also use crunchy Persian cucumbers. Both options have thinner skin and fewer cucumber seeds than a regular cucumber and work great to add fresh flavor and extra crunch to salads.
- Fresh Herbs - I like to use both fresh mint and fresh basil in my watermelon salad! Feel free to just use one.
- Feta Cheese - salty feta cheese is a popular pairing with juicy summer watermelon because it's the perfect balance of salty flavors + sweet. I suggest getting a block of feta cheese and crumble it yourself because pre crumbled feta often has added ingredients that make it a bit more dry. That said, if you don't like feta, you can substitute with goat cheese. If doing so, I suggest adding the goat cheese right before serving.
- Lime Juice - fresh citrus is a delicious pairing with watermelon and cucumbers. I suggest to use fresh lime juice (not bottled). You can use lemon juice instead if you prefer.
- Honey - a drizzle of honey balances out the acidity of the lime. Feel free to leave it out if you are watching your added sugars.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil - to help the dressing coat the fruits.
- Kosher Salt - just a pinch to enhance the sweetness of the watermelon.
- Optional: Red onion, Balsamic Vinegar or balsamic glaze. If you want even more flavor, add sliced red onion and/or a drizzle of balsamic just before serving.
How to Make Watermelon Cucumber Salad
Below is the step-by-step instructions to make this easy salad with photos that I hope are helpful. Check the recipe card below for the full recipe.
- Step 1: Cut the watermelon and cucumber into 1-2-inch pieces. Chop the mint and basil and crumble the feta cheese. To cut your watermelon, place it on a large cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut off the ends. Then gently slice the rind off of the watermelon and cut it in half. Place the half cut side down on the cutting board and cut it into slices and then cubes.
- Step 2: To make the dressing, mix the dressing ingredients including the lime juice, honey and olive oil in a small bowl. Whisk until it's emulsified.
- Step 3: Add the watermelon, cucumber, mint and basil to a large serving bowl. Pour the dressing on top and carefully toss everything to combine.
- Step 4: Add a pinch of salt. Then add the feta on top.
Hint: If you are making this in advance, wait to add the dressing right before serving.
Dietitian Tip
Warmer months is the perfect time of year to make watermelon recipes! Adding cucumbers provides even more nutrition and both are made mostly of water to help with hydration, too!
Video of How to Make Watermelon Cucumber Salad
Here is a video showing how to make this recipe that I hope is helpful!
Variations
One of my favorite things about this cucumber watermelon salad recipe is how easy it is to customize! Below are some ideas but feel free to get creative.
- Spicy - add red pepper flakes, use hot honey in place of regular honey, or add a diced jalapeno for a kick.
- Deluxe - if you want to do something a little different, use a melon baller to make watermelon circles instead of cubes!
- Avocado Watermelon Salad - dice up a ripe avocado and add it into this colorful salad for healthy fats and a texture contrast.
Storage for Watermelon Cucumber Salad
- Meal Prep - meal prep by making the dressing in advance and add it right before serving. You can also chop the watermelon and cucumber in advance. That way everything is ready to throw together when serving time comes around!
- Refrigerator - store your leftover Watermelon Cucumber Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
Expert Tips
- If you are making this in advance of serving it, wait to add the dressing just before serving.
- Add the feta cheese after tossing the other ingredients in the lime vinaigrette.
- Save time by using a seedless watermelon. You can find them at most grocery stores during watermelon season!
- Cut everything into relatively evenly sized pieces including the cucumber and watermelon to provide even distribution.
FAQ
While healthy means something different to everyone, this recipe is a nutrient-rich option for hot summer months. Watermelon is mostly water so it helps with hydration. It also contains vitamin C and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant also found in tomatoes. Cucumbers are actually in the same plant family as watermelon and are also made up mostly of water. They also provide vitamin K. Feta cheese is lower in calories than many other cheeses and it provides calcium and some protein. This recipe is also gluten-free.
To choose the best watermelon, look for one that is heavy for it's size and a yellow almost creamy spot where it was on the ground. This is called a field spot and it's a sign that your watermelon is ripe! Lastly, give your watermelon a tap. It should give a deeper hud than a watermelon that isn't yet ripe.
Related
Looking for other dietitian recipes like this? Try these:
Perfect for Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Watermelon Cucumber Salad:
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! I would love to hear from you! If you made this recipe, please leave me a review below or tag me in a photo or story on Instagram. Your reviews help support me and make it possible for me to continue to create the recipes you know and love. 🙂 IG: @mallorythedietitian
📖 Recipe
Watermelon Cucumber Salad with Feta & Fresh Mint
Equipment
- 1 large bowl
Ingredients
- 4 cups watermelon cubes, ~1-2 inches
- ½ English cucumber, diced into 1-2 inch pieces
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 3 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoon honey
- pinch sea salt
Instructions
- Cut the watermelon and cucumber into 1-2-inch pieces. Chop the mint and basil and crumble the feta cheese.
- To make the dressing, mix the dressing ingredients including the lime juice, honey and olive oil in a small bowl. Whisk until it's emulsified.
- Add the watermelon, cucumber, mint and basil to a large serving bowl.
- Pour the dressing on top and carefully toss everything to combine. Add a pinch of kosher salt. Then add the feta on top.
- Hint: If you are making this in advance, wait to add the dressing right before serving.
Video
Notes
- Add the feta cheese after tossing the other ingredients in the lime vinaigrette.
- Save time by using a seedless watermelon. You can find them at most grocery stores during watermelon season!
- Cut everything into relatively evenly sized pieces including the cucumber and watermelon to provide even distribution.
- Meal Prep - meal prep by making the dressing in advance and add it right before serving. You can also chop the watermelon and cucumber in advance. That way everything is ready to throw together when serving time comes around!
- Refrigerator - store your leftover Watermelon Cucumber Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
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